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Black Kite Cellars

This family-owned producer is named for the beautiful but endangered Black Shouldered Kite that is native to the Anderson Valley. These incredible hawks are indigenous to the Anderson Valley and can frequently be seen circling the skies over the Black Kite Vineyard. They have penetrating red eyes which are prominently portrayed on the beautiful label.

The 12-acre Pinot Noir vineyard, planted in 1999, is in a cool portion of the Anderson Valley (the "deep-end") only eight miles from the Pacific Ocean. The Pinot Noir lineup includes about 900 cases of a vineyard-designate (Kite's Rest) and three block-designate wines (Redwood's Edge, Stony Terrace, River Turn) from the estate vineyard (you can purchase a four-pack of each of the wines on the website). A newcomer that has burst on the scene with outstanding wines. The winemaker since 2005 is veteran Jeff Gaffner and the viticulturalist is Paul Ardzrooni, experienced in Anderson Valley vineyards.

Black Kite Cellars has branched out into sourcing Pinot Noir grapes from the Santa Lucia Highlands (Sierra Mar and Soberanes vineyards) and Sonoma Coast (Freestone and Gap's Crown vineyards) AVAs and is also offering Chardonnay from these two appellations.

The wines are sold primarily through a mailing list and the winery website, with limited distribution to restaurants and retailers.

Reviewed Wines

2014 Black Kite Cellars Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.2% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.62, 201 cases, $48.
Dijon 76, 95 and 96. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels,
40% new.
·Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the
glass. Highly aromatic with a perfume that sustains over a
lengthy time in the glass, featuring lemon cake, pear, nutty
pastry creme and clarified butter. This wine comes at you with a
flavor stick, exploding on the palate with flavors of lemon, pineapple,
peach, pear and a hint of spice and vanilla. Impressive harmony, with a
slightly viscous demeanor, and a really long, lip-smacking finish.Score:94.
Reviewed March 12, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

14.3% alc., pH 3.40,
TA 0.60, 212 cases, $48. Wente clone. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new.
·Moderately light
golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Rather subdued but pleasant aromas of lemon-lime, chalk dust and
crushed rock. Not as boisterous as the Gap’s Crown and more imbued with salty green apple notes to
accompany the flavors of lemon, white peach and caramel. Very smooth on the palate and slightly creamy on
the finish.Score:92.
Reviewed March 12, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

2013 Black Kite Gap’s Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.39, TA 0.64, 236
cases, $45.
·Very light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Compared to the Soberanes Chardonnay,
this wine is more mineral-driven with scents of salt air, green apple, and lemon meringue pie, reaching more
intensity over time in the glass. Refined, crisp and refreshing, with plenty of apple, lemon and tangerine fruit
flavors to satisfy. Very polished with admirable oak seasoning showing up as a touch of caramel. An excellent
food wine that can also satisfy on its own.Score:93.
Reviewed April 5, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

2013 Black Kite Cellars “Redwoods Edge” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.58, 335
cases, $60. Dijon 114 and 115 clones planted at Kite’s Rest Vineyard. 321 feet elevation, north facing, loam
soils. Yields 1.5-2.0 tons per acre. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new.
·Moderately light reddish
purple color in the glass. Aromas of macerated dark cherries and spicy, smoky oak lead to a charming medium-
bodied core of cherry and huckleberry fruit flavors underlain with smoky oak and a touch of umami. The tannins
are balanced and the finish is courageous and juicy. The wine is lavishly oaked and shows a slight bit of
alcoholic warmth on the finish, but still has a lot to recommend.Score:90.
Reviewed December 12, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

2013 Black Kite Angel Hawk Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 190 cases, pH 3.56, TA 0.58, $85. Clones 114, 115
and Pommard.
·Moderate reddish purple color in the glass.
Gorgeous label. The aromas leap from the glass, penetrating
the olfactory senses with black cherry, blackberry, peat, citrus,
cardamom and redwood timber scents. Luscious, but angelic on
the palate, with mid weight plus flavors of black cherry and black
raspberry fruits. A very sexy wine with a velvety mouthfeel, silky tannins,
complimentary oak, and enough acid to energize the luscious fruit load.
Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked
bottle, offering an incredible attack and finish and a just plain delicious drinking experience. A
serious wine with intentions.Score:94.
Reviewed April 4, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

2013 Black Kite Cellars Angel Hawk Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.60, 163 cases, $85. Released February 2016.
Dijon 114 and 115 and Pommard clones. 2-day cold soak, inoculated
with RC212 yeast and punched down three times daily. After
fermentation, the wine first rested for 10 months in a mix of 33% new and
1-year-old French oak barrels. The best barrels were aged for another 12
months for a total of 22 months in barrel.
·Moderately light cherry red
color in the glass. The nose is practically orgasmic, offering soaring
aromas of dark red grapes, berries and cherries accompanied by a
woodland scent. The rich core of cherry, raspberry and cranberry fruits
are well-spiced and are accented with weighted notes of anise and
caramel. Bold, yet charming, with good restraint and guile.Score:93.
Reviewed April 2, 2016ARTICLE&nbsp»

14.9% alc., pH
3.70, TA 0.57, 145 cases, $48. Released November 2014. Aged 11 months in 100% French oak
barrels, 50% of which were new.
·Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed
with aromas of raspberry coulis, violets and chocolate. Dark berry flavors are featured with some
savory undertones of mushroom and earth. Full-bodied with balanced tannins, toasty oak, and a soft
finish featuring a generous, chewy burst of black cherry fruit. The wine was noticeably better with
more integration of oak when tasted two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.Score:92.
Reviewed January 22, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

2012 Black Kite Cellars “Redwoods’ Edge” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.57, 198
cases, $60. Released November 2014. Aged 11 months
in 100% French oak barrels, 66% of which were new.
·Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Elevating
aromas of black cherry cordial, baking spice and vanilla.
Perks up the palate upon entry with delicious flavors of black
cherry, black raspberry, plum, Asian 5-spice and vanilla. Very
smoothly textured with hedonistic concentration and a balanced
tannic backbone. Amazingly long finish fueled by bright acidity that
lasts over 30 seconds. This wine really taps the pleasure centers
in the brain.Score:94.
Reviewed January 22, 2015ARTICLE&nbsp»

2011 Black Kite Kite’s Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.70,
TA 0.57, 953 cases, $45. Aged 11 months in 50% new French oak barrels.
·Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely scented with aromas of
cherry, ripe strawberry and spice rub. Mid weight tasty cherry core with
undertones of strawberry and spice. Refined, elegant and on the lighter side in
this vintage. Appealing for its crisp, juicy presence and finish. Holds up nicely
over time in the glass.Score:91.
Reviewed December 18, 2013ARTICLE&nbsp»

2011 Black Kite Cellars Redwood’s Edge Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.55, 149
cases, $55. Aged 11 months in 66% new French oak barrels.
·Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Very
expressive nose that expands over time in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, spice box and clove. Very stylish
with mid weight flavors of black cherry and black raspberry with complimentary oak in the background. The
overall impression is juiciness of fruit with a pleasing savory, earthy bent. The wine is the most brooding of the
2011 lineup and should benefit from more time in bottle to allow the firm tannins and oak to integrate. Better
the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Could prove to be the best wine of the three
reviewed here over time.Score:91.
Reviewed February 4, 2014ARTICLE&nbsp»

2011 Black Kite Cellars River Turn Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc.,
pH 3.60, TA 0.55, 148 cases, $55. Aged 11 months in 66% new French oak
barrels.
·Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Be sure you are sitting down
when you taste this charmer. The aromas leap out of the glass with purpose,
offering scents of black cherry, black raspberry, Asian 5-spice and a hint of oak.
The most sappy and forward of the three 2011 Pinots tasted here. Flat-out
delicious with layers of flavor including black cherry liquor, black raspberry jam,
and Hoison sauce. The fine-grain tannins are svelte, the balancing acidity is
spot on, and the finish is filled with sweet-scented and saucy fruit. The finish is
even more intense and persistence the following day from a previously opened
and re-corked bottle. Log on to deliciouspinot.com for a good time.Score:94.
Reviewed February 4, 2014ARTICLE&nbsp»

2011 Black Kite Cellars Stony Terrace Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.56, 203
cases, $55. Aged 11 months in 66% new French oak barrels.
·Medium reddish purple color in the glass. The
aromas are slow to arrive in the glass, becoming spectacular the following day from a previously opened and
re-corked bottle. Very ripe, dark red and black fruits are featured, especially black raspberry, with hints of
spice, dark chocolate and black currant. The tannins are modest, the acidity is bright and uplifting, and the
special finish is vigorous with flavor and character. This wine will benefit from decanting or cellaring for a few
years.Score:93.
Reviewed February 4, 2014ARTICLE&nbsp»

2011 Black Kite Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.55, 273
cases, $55. Aged 11 months in 50% new French oak barrels.
·Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Muted
aromas of black fruits, cooked beets, and floral perfume. Extravagantly rich with intense flavors of black
raspberry, blackberry and black plum. A little earthy and beefy in character. Silky on the palate with balanced
dry tannins and modest length on the dry finish. Solid, but not exciting now, and should benefit from further
time in bottle.Score:88.
Reviewed December 18, 2013ARTICLE&nbsp»

2010 Black Kite Cellars Redwoods Edge Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.67, 149 cases, $55.
·Medium reddish-purple
hue in the glass. Charming perfume of black cherries, blackberries and
wooded forest, penetrating and possessing staying power over time in
the glass. Bigger, riper, more structured, and more intense than the
estate vineyard bottling yet still crisp and lively offering an enticing
velvety texture and a monumental finish flush with fresh berry flavor that
will not let go.Reviewed February 4, 2013ARTICLE&nbsp»

2010 Black Kite Cellars River Turn Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., phj 3.60, TA 0.61, 150 cases, $55.
·Moderately light reddish-purple
color in the glass. Lovely aromas of cherry pie glaze, baking
spice and sandalwood. This wine is all about spicy, red pie cherries.
Supple tannins, bright acidity, and good length on the finish. A very
pleasing red fruit festival that is the most feminine wine in the lineup and
the epitome of pinotosity.Reviewed February 4, 2013ARTICLE&nbsp»

14.6% alc., pH 3.50, TA
0.60, 149 cases, $55.
·Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Alluring aromas of dark cherries and
dark berry jam with a hint of mesquite. A delight to drink with middleweight flavors of black cherries in harmony
with supple tannins and complimentary acidity. The soft mouth feel is captivating. This wine lacks the vibrancy
of the Black Kite Anderson Valley bottlings but is very typical of the Santa Lucia Highlands and is quite
charming in its own right. Very good.Reviewed February 4, 2013ARTICLE&nbsp»

2010 Black Kite Cellars Stony Terrace Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.66, 153
cases, $55.
·Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is very pleasing initially, offering
scents of dark fruits, soy, sassafras, forest floor and cedary oak. Tasty core of red cherries and berries with a
note of pine in the background. Crisp, with tame tannins, a touch of classy oak, and some length on the finish.
Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good (+).Reviewed February 4, 2013ARTICLE&nbsp»

2010 Black Kite Angel Hawk Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.61, 114 cases, $80.
The best and most age worthy barrels from the 2010 vintage. Aged 20 months in 100% new French oak
barrels.
·Moderately dark reddish-purple robe in the glass. Complex and expressive nose featuring aromas of
black cherry, blackberry, anise, cardamom, wine cave and toasty oak. Much riper than the 2011 release, big
and rich but not overwrought, with juicy flavors of darker cherries and berries with inflections of cola, oak and
spice. Impressive mid palate concentration, structural backbone and finishing power. A luxurious wine that will
appeal to lovers of this hedonistic style of Pinot Noir. Because of the ripeness, a bit of heat shows up on the
finish.Score:90.
Reviewed December 18, 2013ARTICLE&nbsp»

2009 Black Kite Kite’s Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc.,
pH 3.60, VA 0.59, 1,000 cases, $42. The Green family owns the 12-acre
Kite’s Rest Vineyard in Anderson Valley’s Deep End, farmed under the
direction of noted viticulturist, Paul Ardzrooni. The winemaker is veteran
Jeff Gaffner. A blend of the 3 4-acre blocks in the vineyard.
·Moderate
reddish-purple color in the glass. Very attractive scents of fresh cherries
and red plums with more subtle accents of Spanish spices, dried rose petals and
brewed coffee. A real lip-smacker with juicy spiced plum flavor and notes of tea
leaves, clove and oak. The mid-palate is rich, round and mature with plenty of
vim on the crisp, long finish. A very harmonious wine that will age beautifully
and one to savor over a meal with good friends.Reviewed April 11, 2011ARTICLE&nbsp»

2009 Black Kite “River Turn Block” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.59, 160 cases,
$52. Aged 11 months in 66% new and 33% 1-year-old French oak barrels. Decanting for two hours or hold for
5-7 years is recommended.
·Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Brooding nose with shy aromas of
dark cherries and berries, lumber yard and oak. Big-boned, fruit-driven and earthy with an elegant personality
despite the rich fruit core. The velvety mouth feel is very seductive. Only hinting at its potential now. Much
better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Give this wine a few years in the cellar.
Very good.Reviewed July 1, 2011ARTICLE&nbsp»

2009 Black Kite “Stony Terrace Block” Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.59,
230 cases, $52.
·Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. The aromas really grab your attention and
pick up interest in the glass over time revealing notes of black cherries, raspberry syrup, wood spice,
and wooded forest. Tasty core of black cherries, blackberries, sassafras, and faint oak highlights. Soft
and creamy on the palate with ripe black cherry flavor persisting forever on the noteworthy finish. A
special wine, which despite its hefty alcohol, manages to stay in balance and offers immense pleasure.
Should be a respectable short term age worthy candidate.Reviewed July 1, 2011ARTICLE&nbsp»

2009 Black Kite Angel Hawk Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH
3.50, TA 0.58, 100 cases, $75. A reserve wine from Kite’s Rest Vineyard aged
20 months in 100% new French oak and 7 months in bottle.
·Deep, dark
reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fragrant, offering a perfume of ripe
plums, blueberries, Moroccan spices, oak and sweet pipe smoke. Bigshouldered
and richly endowed with spiced dark stone fruits backed by wellproportioned
firm tannins and toasty oak, offering a creamy texture, and finishing
with impressive length. Tasted the next day from a previously opened and recorked
bottle, the wine was still burly and flashy with plenty of oak and tannin.
Very California at heart and seductive for those who relish this style. Very good.Reviewed June 24, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

2009 Black Kite Cellars Angel Hawk Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc.,
pH 3.50, TA 0.58, 109 cases, $75, released winter 2012. A reserve bottling from
Kite’s Rest Vineyard produced only in select vintages. “Angel Hawk” is the
colloquial name of the Black Shouldered Kite, for which the winery is named. A
portion of the proceeds from the sale of Angel Hawk are donated to the Golden
Gate Raptor Conservancy. Aged 20 months in 100% new French oak barrels.
·Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Enticing aromas of black cherries,
plum, exotic spices, oak and rose petals. An attention grabbing core of delicious
black cherry fruit with subtle notes of spice and oak. Creamy on the palate with
extraordinary length. A hedonist’s Pinot that will attract many fans. My only nit
is the high alcohol which peaks out when the wine warms in the glass. Very good.Reviewed June 24, 2012ARTICLE&nbsp»

2008 Black Kite Stony Terrace Block Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8%
alc., pH 3.60, 148 cases, $52. Released in the spring of 2010. Aged 11 months in oak. Winemaker Jeff
Gaffner.
·Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherries, smoke and ash. Very
pretty black raspberry and cherry fruit overshadowed by ash. Discreetly rich with fine grain tannins and a hint
of heat on the finish. Some may find this wine to their liking if they prefer heavily toasted oak. Decent but hard
to tout at this price.Reviewed June 8, 2010ARTICLE&nbsp»

2007 Black Kite Cellars Kite’s Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 726 cases, $42.
·A shy but
perfume of darker fruits, oak and a whiff of alcohol. Discreet and tasty black raspberry, strawberry, chocolate
and oak flavors wrapped around supple tannins with a dry and fruity finish. Not quite as good as the 2006
vintage, but very commendable. Tasted three times on separate occasions with consistent results.Reviewed May 26, 2009ARTICLE&nbsp»

2007 Black Kite Cellars River Turn Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.8% alc.,
195 cases, $52. Released in May, 2009.
·Very pretty black cherry robe. Exotically
perfumed with wild berries, black cherries, herbs and grass. Perfect balance of
ripe raspberry and blackberry fruit, vibrant acidity and refined tannins. The mouth
feel is soft and gentle with an endless finish that holds on tight for what seems an
eternity. Is there an app for this?Reviewed May 26, 2009ARTICLE&nbsp»

2006 Black Kite Kite’s Rest Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.76% alc., <500
cases, $38.
·This wine draws you in with terrific black cherry, dark chocolate and
spicy oak scents. Richly layered with dark fruits including plum with a nice sidecar
of oak. Velvety in texture, clean, and beautifully composed. This one captures
both the power and finesse of Pinot Noir. Everything you could want and
some things you didn’t know to ask for. Flat out terrific.Reviewed June 9, 2008ARTICLE&nbsp»

2006 Black Kite Cellars River Turn Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

$48. Four
Pinot Noirs are offered from the Black Kite Estate Vineyard in the cool deep-end
of the Anderson Valley. The talented winemaker is Jeff Gaffner (left) and the
viticulturalist is Paul Ardzrooni (right). The Kite’s Rest bottling was favorably
reviewed in PinotFile, Volume 6, Issue 60. Three other bottlings are from special
blocks in the vineyard (River Turn, Stony Terrace, and Redwood’s Edge). I
found the River Turn the most approachable now of the block-designate Pinot
Noirs.
·Like the Kite’s Rest, it offers flashy and showy dark red fruits, mouthwatering
acidity, and a lingering aromatic finish. I wrote excellent with an exclamation
point.Reviewed July 7, 2008ARTICLE&nbsp»

2005 Black Kite Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 289 cases, $35.
·The darkest Pinot in the
tasting. The nose is rich with crushed blackberries, a little game and sweet oak. This is an “in-your-face”
wine which is BIG. Generous and fruity rather than classy or complex.Reviewed June 3, 2007ARTICLE&nbsp»